The Indiana Pacers’ draft lottery results could not have been worse. While they were tied for the greatest chance of receiving the number one selection, they slipped out of the top four entirely. Their selection ranked fifth, therefore it goes to the Clippers.
As a result, Indiana will not have a superstar rookie on its squad this summer. They will choose Ivica Zubac as their major draft pick, which might not be a terrible decision. They badly needed a starting center. Nonetheless, they need a backup wing after parting ways with Bennedict Mathurin.
The Pacers’ top three trade targets this offseason have been revealed as all backup wing players to fill that void.
Pacers’ Top Three Offseason Trade Targets Revealed
According to Bleacher Report, the Pacers should focus on acquiring low-cost wing players this summer. That makes sense, given that they have just about $7 million in budget area to work with before reaching the luxury tax. Indiana needs men who can shoot.
Jake LaRavia is listed as the first trade target. The Lakers’ backup guard was occasionally left off the rotation during the playoffs. Still, he appeared in all 82 regular-season games, indicating that he is durable. He did shoot a career-low 3-point percentage, which is a significant drawback.
Issac Okoro is also identified as a trade candidate, however he makes little sense. He has no attacking game to speak of. Injuries have also been a concern for him in both of the previous two seasons. However, he is a capable defensive wing player, which is fascinating.
Justin Edwards is the final player on the list of trade possibilities. The Pacers will sign him as a flier. He hasn’t played much in his NBA career, yet he is inexpensive and works hard. It wouldn’t cost much to sign him in terms of trade, so it would be a worthwhile risk.
Indiana isn’t hesitant to make a trade this offseason.
Kevin Pritchard is definitely not hesitant to make big trades. The Pacers have five of their next six first-round draught selections available for trade. The most significant move this squad can make during the offseason would be to trade for a skilled reserve wing. It is also their most pressing requirement.
The Pacers will be completely healthy to begin the next season. Tyrese Haliburton’s comeback should aid an underpowered attack. Without him, it was the third-worst offense in the league. Indiana has to ensure that it has adequate support around him, especially off the bench.
Indiana is projected to acquire a backup winger through trade or free agency. Fans should not anticipate a significant move, as the major move they made was at the trade deadline, when they acquired Zubac. That may be sufficient to win the Eastern Conference next season.
